Stacking the Shelves (#7)

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga over at Tynga Reviews.

For review:

Gloss by Marilyn Kaye
This seems like a fun summer read!

NetGalley:

All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill

Raven Flight by Juliet Marillier
Feel free to read my review here!

Spies and Prejudice by Talia Vance
Feel free to read my review here!

Edelweiss:

Across a Star-Swept Sea
Last year I read (and fell in love with) For Darkness Shows the Stars, so I just had to request this. *excited*

Have you read/do you plan to read any of these books? :)

FF

FF is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee.

Q: The #FF is 150 weeks old! And we want to hear from you! What would you change about the hop? What do you like about it? Or just suggest a question to be used for next week!

A: I like that this blog hop allows me to discover new blogs and interact with fellow bookworms! :)

Spies and Prejudice by Talia Vance

GoodReads summary: Fields’ Rule #1: Don’t fall for the enemy.

Berry Fields is not looking for a boyfriend. She’s busy trailing cheaters and liars in her job as a private investigator, collecting evidence of the affairs she’s sure all men commit. And thanks to a pepper spray incident during an eighth grade game of spin the bottle, the guys at her school are not exactly lining up to date her, either.

So when arrogant—and gorgeous—Tanner Halston rolls into town and calls her “nothing amazing,” it’s no loss for Berry. She’ll forget him in no time. She’s more concerned with the questions surfacing about her mother’s death.

But why does Tanner seem to pop up everywhere in her investigation, always getting in her way? Is he trying to stop her from discovering the truth, or protecting her from an unknown threat? And why can’t Berry remember to hate him when he looks into her eyes?

- Add to GoodReads
- Visit Talia Vance's website
- Follow Tallia Vance on Twitter

Source: NetGalley
Expected publication date: 11/06/13

Thoughts:

Mystery mixed with a touch of romance. Spies and Prejudice is a must read for fans of Veronica Mars!

Berry Fields works as a PI at her dad's private investigation firm, collecting evidence of the affairs she's certain all men commit. After an incident in the 8th grade involving pepper spray boys haven't exactly been lining up to date her. And she's cool with that, because really who has time for liars and cheaters? Certainly not her.

One day after a stakeout Berry witnesses her best friend's father secretly exchanging a document that has to do with her mother's death. She's never believed that her mother committed suicide, so this is the perfect opportunity for her to finally find out the truth about the cause of her mother's death. Berry is thrust into a sticky situation, though. In order to find out more information she must sneak into her bf's fathers study...is finding out the truth really worth betraying her best friend?...

Spies and Prejudice features a fun and colourful set of characters. It's a refreshing change to read about of high schoolers that aren't dramatic or angst-y, but are still relatable. Berry was a fantastic protagonist. Strong and sassy, she is a no-nonsense kind of girl, who doesn't take crap from anyone. I also liked Berry's gadget making best friend Mary Chris. The genuine sense of friendship between these two was sweet.

When Tanner comes rolling into town Berry's life is turned upside down. She wants nothing to do with him, but she can't seem to get away from him as he always seems to pop up at the most inconvenient times  (specifically when she's trying to investigate her mother's death.)  Berry can't help but question why. Is trying to protect her? or Is he trying to stop her from finding out the truth? What is Tanner hiding?...

The whole 'handsome, but arrogant' love interest has been done time and time again, but Vance has created a love interest with a difference. While the romance isn't the focus of the story, it is still sizzling with chemistry.

Overall, the plot was well thought out and the mystery was engaging. My only complaint is that the ending felt a little bit rushed, and a small loose end wasn't tied up, which for someone like me who likes their loose ends tied up would have been nice. Aside from these minor qualms, I found Spies and Prejudice to be a fun read. (As for the "playful nod to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice" I can't really comment on that, because I haven't read the book.)


Rating:

FF

FF is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee.

Q: School is out! What is your favorite Summer Reading book??

A: To be honest I read whatever I'm in the mood for no matter the season. I don't really read contemporary/summer books. But, if I were to pick an author whose books could be classified as summer reads I'd go with Meg Cabot. I've been a long time fan, and her books are always so much fun. Perfect for summer reading! :)

Raven Flight by Juliet Marillier

GoodReads Summary: Neryn has finally found the rebel group at Shadowfell, and now her task is to seek out the elusive Guardians, vital to her training as a Caller. These four powerful beings have been increasingly at odds with human kind, and Neryn must prove her worth to them. She desperately needs their help to use her gift without compromising herself or the cause of overthrowing the evil King Keldec.

Neryn must journey with the tough and steadfast Tali, who looks on Neryn's love for the double agent Flint as a needless vulnerability. And perhaps it is. What Flint learns from the king will change the battlefield entirely—but in whose favor, no one knows.

- Add to GoodReads
- Visit Juliet Marillier's website

Source: NetGalley
Expected publication date: 09/07/13

Thoughts:

Raven Flight follows Neryn and Tali as they venture across Alban to seek out the elusive Guardians that are essential in Neryn's training as a Caller. The unlikely duo are opposites, but both are admirable in their own right. Neryn has a sort of quiet strength about her, she never complains or whines when things get tough. Tali on the other hand is tough and outspoken. They are the epitome of strong female characters, and the blossoming friendship between the pair is beautiful.

However, having said all that I have to admit that I didn't really enjoy Raven Flight as much as I had hoped to. It was a slow-paced sequel in which very little happened, and I often found myself skimming over the descriptions. While I appreciate the fact that the book is focused on Neryn trying to hone her powers and seek out the Guardians I felt like there could have been more excitement and action to balance out the slow parts (perhaps more encounters with the Enforcers, or maybe some resistance from the Goodfolk.)

Flint and Neryn both have separate duties that weigh heavily on them, and so conflict arises in their relationship. The two tread very different paths - as the Kings most trusted Enforcer Flint has to do what he can to avoid arousing suspicion and prove that he's loyal. Neryn on the other hand must travel across Alban to seek out the Guardians, while at the same time avoid being captured by the Enforcers. Being together is dangerous as they can be used against each other, and this of course cannot happen as they both play an important role in freeing Alban from the grips of the King. Although they are apart for most of the book, Flint and Neryn do share some sweet moments when they briefly meet.

It was towards the end where things really started  to picked up, and I became truly engaged. The last quarter of the book really packed a punch, and I hope that this sudden appearance of heart stopping revelations and excitement carries over to book 3.

Despite not loving Raven Flight as much as Shadowfell I will still be picking up the final book in the trilogy when it's released. 

Rating:

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

GoodReads Summary: Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her–or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

- Add to GoodReads
- Follow Leigh Bardugo on Twitter
- Visit Leigh Bardugo's website

Source: Publisher
Expected publication date: 07/06/13 (UK)

Thoughts:

It's rare for a sequel to outshine its' predecessor, but Leigh Bardugo's Siege and Storm managed to do just that!

Alina has the weight of the world Ravka on her shoulders. She is faced with many challenges, all of which take a toll on her emotionally and physically. As well as trying to bridge the ever expanding gap between herself and Mal, she must learn to hone her powers if she wants to set Ravka free from the clutches of darkness. Alina's character truly leaves a lasting impression in Siege and Storm. Her courage and strength are admirable qualities, and while I did not always agree with her actions I definitely gained more respect for her.

A new character is introduced in Siege and Storm, and boy has he won me over. Witty and charming,  Sturmhond brought some much needed comic relief to the story. He also kind of reminded me of Roar from Under the Never Sky in that they both have charismatic personalities, and are the very definition of well developed secondary characters.

I know some might consider Mal, Alina, and the Darkling a love triangle, but to me it doesn't read like one. The romance between Mal and Alina is breathtakingly beautiful, but it's not without its ups and downs. The two are faced with a lot of obstacles in Sienge and Storm - they share many sweet moments and just as many heartbreaking ones. Bardugo deserves a round of applause, because this is how you create conflict in a romance.

The Darkling doesn't make a huge appearance in book 2, but to my utter delight Mal does. No need to worry, though Darkling fans, because the power hungry and alluring creature still manages to make an impact.

There is no second book syndrome here, Siege and Storm is a stunning sequel that took my breath away.

Liked!
view quote

Share on Twitter

Likes the quote "Mal snickered. "What's so funny?" "I just pictured the <span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">Darkling</span> being cornered by a sweaty duchess trying to have her way with him."

always post: reviewsuser statuses

“I have loved you all my life, Mal," I whispered through my tears. "There is no end to our story.” 

Rating:

Stacking the Shelves (#6)

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga over at Tynga Reviews.

(On  a side note: Sorry I haven't been around lately! I've been busy with exams. My last one is on Friday, so I shall be commenting and writing reviews like mad next weekend!)

Purchased:

Light by Michael Grant
The final book in the Gone series. I've kind of been putting this one of because I'm scared about how it will end...

Unbreakable by Elizabeth Norris
Going to start reading this later today!

For review:

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
Finished reading this yesterday and oh my gosh, guys! ALL THE MAL AND ALINA FEELS.

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
DNF. It wasn't holding my attention, and it felt like a rip-off of Divergent and THG.

NetGalley:

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

Edelweiss:

The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas
Absolutely loved this! Expect a gushing review closer to the release date!

Have you read/do you plan to read any of these books? :)